Published: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 12:06 a.m.

The NASCAR world comes together this week at Daytona in anticipation of a new season.

The first Sprint Cup Series cars roll from the garage Friday. Opinions, hunches and bold predictions regarding the 10 days of racing obviously vary as the first Speedweeks practice session nears.

When the evening of Feb. 24 rolls around, however, there will be no questioning who already attached a big ornament to their 2013 season. Will victory in the Daytona 500 be a sign of greater things ahead, or will it simply be the highlight of the season — or maybe an entire career?

That's the big question.

No, wait, we almost forgot . . . this is the big question: When all these folks are repacking all the stuff they're currently unpacking at Daytona, who will have to find room for the Harley J. Earl Trophy? Motorsports editor Godwin Kelly and sports columnist Ken Willis each give us three possibilities.

GODWIN KELLY'S PICKS

MATT KENSETH, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota: It's been 18 years since a driver defended his Daytona 500 crown (Kenseth also won in 2009.). This is the guy who can do it. Fast in January testing.

TONY STEWART, No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevy: Stewart has four Coke Zero 400 wins and is second in career wins at Daytona (18 — Dale Earnhardt has 34), but he doesn't have a 500 crown. He wants to fill that void.

KASEY KAHNE, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy: My pick to sit at the head table at the end of the season. What a great way to start a championship run — with a Daytona 500 victory.

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KEN WILLIS' PICKS

TREVOR BAYNE, No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford: It wouldn't be as shocking this time, but it still would be a bit of a surprise. Speed shouldn't be a problem.

JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Penske Racing Ford: Call it a hunch, but if the champ — Brad Keselowski — lobbied for your hiring, the confidence alone should be worth a few horsepower.

ARIC ALMIROLA, No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford: Notice a trend? My three picks include three youngsters sporting old-school Daytona numbers — the 21 from that famous Stuart, Va., group; the 22 that was worn by Fireball Roberts; and the famous 43 from the King's shop.

<p>The NASCAR world comes together this week at Daytona in anticipation of a new season.<ep></p><p>The first Sprint Cup Series cars roll from the garage Friday. Opinions, hunches and bold predictions regarding the 10 days of racing obviously vary as the first Speedweeks practice session nears.<ep></p><p>When the evening of Feb. 24 rolls around, however, there will be no questioning who already attached a big ornament to their 2013 season. Will victory in the Daytona 500 be a sign of greater things ahead, or will it simply be the highlight of the season — or maybe an entire career?<ep></p><p>That's the big question.<ep></p><p>No, wait, we almost forgot . . . <i>this</i> is the big question: When all these folks are repacking all the stuff they're currently unpacking at Daytona, who will have to find room for the Harley J. Earl Trophy? Motorsports editor Godwin Kelly and sports columnist Ken Willis each give us three possibilities.<ep></p><p><B>GODWIN KELLY'S PICKS</b><ep></p><p><b>MATT KENSETH, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota:</b> It's been 18 years since a driver defended his Daytona 500 crown (Kenseth also won in 2009.). This is the guy who can do it. Fast in January testing.<ep></p><p><b>TONY STEWART, No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevy:</b> Stewart has four Coke Zero 400 wins and is second in career wins at Daytona (18 — Dale Earnhardt has 34), but he doesn't have a 500 crown. He wants to fill that void.<ep></p><p><b>KASEY KAHNE, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy:</b> My pick to sit at the head table at the end of the season. What a great way to start a championship run — with a Daytona 500 victory.<ep></p><p>-------------------------</p><p><b>KEN WILLIS' PICKS</b><ep></p><p><b>TREVOR BAYNE, No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford:</b> It wouldn't be as shocking this time, but it still would be a bit of a surprise. Speed shouldn't be a problem.<ep></p><p><b>JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Penske Racing Ford:</b> Call it a hunch, but if the champ — Brad Keselowski — lobbied for your hiring, the confidence alone should be worth a few horsepower.<ep></p><p><b>ARIC ALMIROLA, No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford:</b> Notice a trend? My three picks include three youngsters sporting old-school Daytona numbers — the 21 from that famous Stuart, Va., group; the 22 that was worn by Fireball Roberts; and the famous 43 from the King's shop.</p>